Toilet cleaning system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a toilet cleaning system mounted onto a toilet, the toilet cleaning system including a cleaning tool configured to clean an inward facing surface of the toilet bowl; a support arm configured move said cleaning tool along the inward facing surface; and, a control device configured to deploy said support arm to move said cleaning tool towards the inward facing surface; and, to actuate said cleaning tool to clean the inward facing surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/478,055, filed Mar. 29, 2017, and entitled“TOILET CLEANING APPARATUS” and to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/546,690, filed Aug. 17, 2017, and entitled “TOILET CLEANINGAPPARATUS” The entirety of the aforementioned applications isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to the field of toilet sanitation and cleaning.

Conventional cleaning of a toilet bowl requires doing so manually.Typically, the individual cleaning the bowl manually uses a brush,cleaning-cloth, and cleaning agents of some type to more effectivelyaccomplish the task.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations relatedtherewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Otherlimitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill inthe art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the figures.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described andillustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which aremeant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment, a toilet cleaningsystem mounted onto a toilet, the toilet cleaning system including: acleaning tool configured to clean an inward facing surface of the toiletbowl; a support arm configured move the cleaning tool along the inwardfacing surface; and, a control device configured to: deploy the supportarm to move the cleaning tool towards the inward facing surface; and,actuate the cleaning tool to clean the inward facing surface.

In certain embodiments the control device deploys the support arm alonga cleaning path.

In certain embodiments, the cleaning path is designated according to athree-dimensional map of the inward facing surface.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes aprocessor configured to generate a three-dimension map.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes oneor more detection sensors configured to measure dimensions of the inwardfacing surface; and, wherein the processor generates thethree-dimensional map according to the measurements obtained by the oneor more detection sensors.

In certain embodiments, the detection sensor measures dimensions of theinward facing surface by detecting locations where there is an increaseof current required for moving said support arm due to resistanceapplied onto the cleaning tool by the inward facing surface.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes astain sensor configured to detect waste on the inward facing surface;wherein the processor utilizes data obtained by the stain sensor todesignate a location of the waste to indicate an area on the inwardfacing surface that requires extensive cleaning.

In certain embodiments, the stain sensor is a camera configured toobtain images of the inward facing surface; wherein processor comparesan image of a clean inward facing obtained during activation of thetoilet cleaning system and compared to images obtained at predeterminedtime intervals to determine whether the inward facing surface requirescleaning.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes astorage unit configured to store the three-dimensional map of thetoilet.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes acommunication unit configured to receive the three-dimensional map froma third-party device.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes auser interface configured for obtaining a three-dimensional map of thetoilet; and, a display unit configured to display toilet cleaning systemparameters.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes adisplay screen coupled to a toilet seat and configured to displayentertainment content to a user of the toilet.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes astorage compartment for storing and concealing the cleaning tool whenthe toilet is not being cleaned, the storage compartment having anelongated opening to enable the cleaning tool and the support arm topivot into the storage compartment.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes acollection compartment configured to collect residue fluid dripping fromthe cleaning tool during storage of the cleaning tool, wherein thecollection compartment has a conduit to channel the residue fluiddripping from the cleaning tool into the toilet bowl.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes astorage compartment door configured to enclose the cleaning tool andconceal the storage compartment.

In certain embodiments, the control device is further configured toretract the cleaning tool to the storage compartment upon completion ofthe cleaning process; and, rinse the cleaning tool prior to storage toremove excess fluid and waste from the cleaning tool.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes asoap unit for mixing a cleaning material with the fluid channeled to thecleaning tool.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes oneor more sprinklers configured to clean a toilet seat by spraying fluidonto the toilet; and, an air blower to remove fluid residue remaining onthe toilet seat, wherein the control device is further configured to:activate the one or more sprinklers to spray the toilet seat; and,activate the air blower to dry the toilet seat.

In certain embodiments, the toilet cleaning system further includes amobile cleaning tool configured to move along a rail to clean thetoilet.

In certain embodiments, the support arm has a flexible member enablingthe cleaning tool to clean difficult to reach areas on the inward facingsurface.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to thefigures and by study of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. Dimensionsof components and features shown in the figures are generally chosen forconvenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown toscale. The figures are listed below.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a toilet cleaning system coupled to atoilet having a toilet bowl and toilet bowl rim, according to certainembodiments;

FIGS. 2A-2B schematically illustrate a toilet cleaning system, accordingto certain embodiments;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates fluid tubing of a toilet cleaningsystem, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a soap unit, according to certainembodiments;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a bidet of a toilet cleaning system,according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 6A-6C schematically illustrate extraction and retraction of acleaning tool of a toilet cleaning system, according to certainembodiments;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an operating system of a toiletcleaning, according to certain embodiments;

FIGS. 8A-8B show a method for cleaning a toilet, according to certainembodiments; and,

FIG. 9 shows a display screen coupled to a toilet seat, according tocertain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein is a toilet cleaning system configured to couple to atoilet to enable cleaning a toilet bowl and a toilet seat, according tocertain exemplary embodiments. The toilet cleaning system includes adisplaceable cleaning tool for cleaning the toilet bowl and one or moresprinklers for cleaning the toilet seat.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a toilet cleaning system 100 coupled toa toilet 105 having a toilet bowl 110 and toilet rim 115, according tocertain embodiments. Toilet cleaning system 100 includes a housing 101configured to encase components of toilet cleaning system 100 and tofunction as a cover of toilet bowl 110 and is coupled to toilet 105.Toilet cleaning system 100 can include one or more springs and/or one ormore pistons to reduce the rate at which housing 101 is lowered ontotoilet rim 115 to prevent damage to toilet cleaning system 100 from theimpact of contacting seat 102 and/or toilet rim 115.

In certain embodiments, toilet cleaning system 100 can include seat 102having an angle enabling fluid on seat 102 to pour into toilet bowl 110and a plastic edge to ensure water drips from seat 102 into towel bowl110 and not onto a bottom side of seat 102. Housing 101 and seat 102 canbe pivotally connected. In certain embodiments, seat 102 can bedisconnected from housing 101 enabling use of toilet cleaning system100, for example, where the toilet seat is affixed to toilet 105 andcannot be removed without damaging toilet 105. In certain embodiments,toilet cleaning system 100 can include a coupling element 108 configuredto connect toilet cleaning system 100 to toilet 105. Coupling element108 can a universal fitting adaptor 113 configured to enable toiletcleaning system 100 to fit onto most toilet rims. Toilet cleaning system100 can include a power source 130, such as a replaceable and/orrechargeable battery, or an electric cable to comment to an electricoutlet.

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a perspective view and FIG. 2Bschematically illustrates and exploded view of toilet cleaning system100 of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments. Toilet cleaning system100 includes a cleaning tool 205 configured to clean an inward facingsurface of toilet bowl 110 of FIG. 1. For example, cleaning tool 205 canbe a brush, pressure hose, a scraper, or the like. In certainembodiments, cleaning tool 205 can include a brush, which can be adisplaceable brush, a disposable brush, or the like. The brush ofcleaning tool 205 can have bristles, hairs, a sponge, or the like. Incertain embodiments, bristles are extractable, for example, the bristlescan be extracted for cleaning and can be retracted when the cleaningtool 205 is in storage. In certain embodiments, the bristles can be softwhen cleaning tool 205 is in storage, however when cleaning tool 205 canbe extended during cleaning, for example, cleaning tool 205 rotatesgenerating centrifugal force which extends the bristles outward fromcleaning tool 205.

Toilet cleaning system 100 includes a support arm 207 to which cleaningtool 205 is coupled at a distal end thereof. Support arm 207 is coupledto toilet cleaning system 100 at a location which enables support arm207 to move cleaning tool 205 to reach all areas of the inward facingsurface. For example, support arm 207 is coupled to the center of toiletcleaning system 100 enabling support arm 207 to travel an equidistancedistance to all areas of the inward facing surface. Support arm 207 canextend and retract to move cleaning tool 205 to various locations of thetoilet bowl 110. Support arm 207 can include two or more members, drawnas reference numbers 208, 209, coupled to one another with a joint 212.

Members 208, 209 can be selectively deployed and operated independentlyto provide an angle between members 208, 209 to enable cleaning tool 105to engage the inward facing surface of the toilet bowl 110 and changethe disposition of cleaning tool 105 relative to toilet bowl 110.Members 208, 209 can be configured as telescopic rods configured toenable extraction and retraction of members 208, 209 to selectivelydeploy towards the inward facing surface of toilet bowl 110. Support arm207 can include a piston configured to extend members 208, 209 toselectively deploy cleaning tool 205 towards the inner volume of toiletbowl 110 to enable cleaning its entire circumference or to shortensupport arm 207 to enable storage of cleaning tool 205. Support arm 207can be configured to pivot such that an angle between cleaning tool 205and toilet bowl 110 can be modified. Members 208, 209 can be flexible toenable greater degrees of movement to support arm 207 and improveddisposition of cleaning tool 205 to access areas of toilet bowl 110.

Toilet cleaning system 100 can include a rotating plate coupled to aproximal end of support arm 207 and configured to rotate support arm 207and to enable cleaning tool 205 to access all portions of the inwardfacing surface. For example, cleaning tool 205 can be configured torotate about its own axis in three-hundred-sixty degrees. In certainembodiments, rotating plate may only provide a rotation angle within arange of 180 to 220 degrees, and support arm 207 can swivel to oppositesides of toilet bowl 110 to enable cleaning toilet bowl 110. In certainembodiments, support arm 207 is coupled to a slip ring at the proximalend of support arm 207, which enables a three-hundred and sixty degreerotation of support arm 207 without causing damages to the wiring andtubing led to cleaning tool 205.

Housing 101 includes a storage compartment 210 configured to storecleaning tool 205 and support arm 207. Storage compartment 210 includesa cover 211 configured to seal storage compartment 210 and concealcleaning tool 205. In certain embodiments, storage compartment 210 caninclude an elongated opening 216 to enable cleaning tool 205 and supportarm 207 to pivot therethrough. In certain embodiments, storagecompartment 210 can include a storage compartment door 220, for examplea pivotally mounted door 220, a spring-loaded door or the like,configured to remain closed and to open in response to extension ofsupport arm 207. In certain embodiments, storage compartment door 220can be a dedicated door connected by a magnet latch to housing 101.Storage compartment door 220 can be a revolving door that rotates toseal and open storage compartment 210. In certain embodiments, toiletcleaning system 100 can include a collection compartment, for collectingfluid dripping or trickling from the cleaning tool 205 when support arm207 is in the stored in the folded storage position. The collectioncompartment can have a conduit for channeling residue fluid fromcleaning tool 205 to be dispensed into toilet bowl 110 such that seat102 remains clean.

In certain embodiments, rotating plate can be configured to rotatecleaning tool 205 and support arm 207 to exit and enter storagecompartment 210 by aligning cleaning tool 205 with elongated opening216, such that cleaning tool 205 and support arm 207 are disposed at anangle relative to elongated opening to conceal cleaning tool 205.Cleaning tool 205 can be aligned to be concealed within storagecompartment 210 while any residue fluid can drip through elongatedopening into toilet bowl 110 or into the collection compartment.

Toilet cleaning system 100 includes one or more sprinklers, for example,six sprinklers, drawn as numeral representations 251 a, 251 b, 251 c,251 d, 251 e, 251 f, 251 g configured to spray fluid on seat 102 ofFIG. 1. Seat 102 can be configured with a slight slope, for example, aslope angle within a range of 10 to 20 degrees, directed towards toiletbowl 110 to urge thereby the fluid sprayed on seat 102 into toilet bowl110. Toilet cleaning system 100 can include two air blowers, drawn asnumeral representations 255, 256 configured to blow air onto seat 102 toforce residue fluid from seat 102 into toilet bowl 110 and to dry anyremaining fluid. Air from air blower 255, 256 can be led to areas ofseat 102 through an air tunnel and ventilates onto seat 102 through airopenings, drawn as numeral representations 257 a, 257 b, 257 c.

Toilet cleaning system 100 includes one or more faucets, depicted inFIGS. 2A-2B as a single faucet referenced 213 and in FIG. 3 as twofaucets referenced 310, 315. The one or more faucets is configured toregulate the flow of fluid to cleaning tool 205 and to sprinklers 251 a,251 b, 251 c, 251 d, 251 e, 251 f, 251 g and to ensure sufficient fluidis used to efficiently clean the inward facing surface of toilet bowl110 and seat 102. In certain embodiments, the one or more faucets, forexamples, two faucets 310 and 315, can be operated sequentially toensure an optimal flow rate of fluid is provided to cleaning tool 205and to sprinklers 251 a, 251 b, 251 c, 251 d, 251 e, 251 f, 251 g.

The toilet cleaning system 100 can include a sanitizer configured tosanitize and clean the inward facing surface of toilet bowl 110 and topfacing surface of seat 102. In certain embodiments, the sanitizer cansanitize cleaning tool 205 after completion of the cleaning process. Thesanitizer can be an ultra-violet light source, an ionizer, or the like.In certain embodiments, toilet cleaning system 100 can include a cover290 for covering the inner portion of housing 101 of FIG. 1, which canbe configured to be selectively removed. Cover 290 can include magnetsconfigured to attach cover to housing 101.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates fluid tubing 300 of toilet cleaningsystem 100 of FIGS. 1-3, according to certain embodiments. Fluid tubing300 is coupled to a fluid source 305. Fluid tubing 300 channels fluidthrough faucets 310, 315, which control the flow of the fluid tocleaning tool 205 and to sprinklers 251 a, 251 b, 251 c, 251 d, 251 e,251 f, 251 g. Fluid tubing 300 is coupled to cleaning tool 205 tochannel fluid to cleaning tool 205 to facilitate the cleaning process.For example, where cleaning tool 205 includes a brush, fluid tubing 300can be coupled to an external portion of cleaning tool 205 to providefluid at a distal end of fluid tubing 300 adjacent to the brush, whichrinses cleaning tool 205 and the surrounding area to facilitate cleaningthe inward facing surface. In certain embodiments, cleaning tool 205 canbe made of a silicon material to repel and prevent growth of germs andbacteria. The silicon material can prevent fluid absorption by cleaningtool 205 and to enable quick cleaning of cleaning tool 205. In certainembodiments, fluid tubing 300 can be embedded within cleaning tool 205to channel fluid through cleaning tool 205 to the brush, which includescavities through which the fluid is ejected to wet the brush and thesurrounding area.

In certain embodiments, the fluid can be transferred with apredetermined high pressure to enable using the fluid to clean toiletbowl 110. The pressurized fluid stream can facilitate washing cleaningtool 205 at the end of the cleaning process. In certain embodiments, thepressurized fluid can be configured to rotate cleaning tool 205 or aportion thereof, for example, actuate the deployment and rotation of thebrush to increase the cleaning effectivity of the brush, and to cleancleaning tool 205 after completion of the cleaning process by removingany residue therefrom. Fluid tube 300 provides fluid to the sprinklers251 a, 251 b, 251 c, 251 d, 251 e, 251 f, 251 g that is sprayed ontoseat 102.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a soap unit 400 of toilet cleaningsystem 100, according to certain embodiments. Soap unit 400 can includea fillable compartment 405 configured for placement of cleaning material407, which is mixed with fluid poured into fillable compartment 405through fluid port 410. Fluid port 410 can be coupled to a tube 450configured to lead fluid to soap unit 400. The mixed fluid and soap 407flow to toilet cleaning system 100 through fluid tubing 300 which iscoupled to an exit port 415 of soap unit 400. In certain embodiments,soap unit 400 can be achieved by using a tube with a narrow passageconfigured to cause a Venturi effect to redirect fluid through soap unit400 to mix the fluid with soap 405.

The cleaning material 407 can be stored as a solid bar, fluid, ordetergent which can be stored in fillable compartment 405. Fillablecompartment 405 can enable the user to insert the cleaning materialtherein. Fluid tube 300 supplies fluid to toilet cleaning system 100 andcan be in fluid communication with fillable compartment 405 such thatcleaning material 407 is dispensed into the pressurized fluid stream.Soap unit 400 can be arranged within toilet cleaning system 100 orexternally of toilet cleaning system 100 depending on ease of access forfilling the cleaning material in to fillable compartment 405. Soap unit400 can include a valve 420 to configured to actuate and moderate theflow of fluid through the soap unit 400.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a bidet 500 of toilet cleaning system100 of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments. Bidet 500 can beconfigured to provide hygienic cleaning for a user of toilet 105. Bidet500 includes a faucet 505, an air blower 510, a nozzle sterilizationand/or the like. In certain embodiments, fluid tubing 300 of FIG. 3 canprovide the fluid to components of toilet cleaning system 100 and tobidet 500. In certain embodiments, bidet 500 can include an air blower502, which can be configured to perform the function of air blowers 255,256 for drying seat 102 and for drying the user's skin. In certainembodiments, bidet 500 can include an air sanitizer and water filter.

FIG. 6A-6C schematically illustrate operation of toilet cleaning system100 shown in FIGS. 1-3, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 6Aillustrates toilet cleaning system 100 with cleaning tool 205 in astored position within storage compartment 210.

FIG. 6B illustrates cleaning tool 205 extracted from storage compartment210 and extended towards toilet bowl 110. FIG. 6C illustrates cleaningtool 205 in retraction after completion of the cleaning process. Incertain embodiments, toilet cleaning system 100 includes a mobilecleaning tool 605 aligned above seat 102, configured to clean seat 102after sprinklers 251 a, 251 b, 251 c, 251 d rinse seat 102. Mobilecleaning tool 605, may be coupled to a railing 610 of toilet cleaningsystem 100, configured to enable mobile cleaning tool 605 to travelalong rail 610 and clean seat 102. For example, the mobile cleaning tool605 has a cleaning element 615, such as a sponge that scrubs a topsurface of seat 102 to remove waste that is stuck to seat 102. Incertain embodiments, cleaning element 615 is a rotating brush configuredto rotate while traveling along the rail 610 to clean seat 102. Incertain embodiments, support arm 207 can be flexible to enable insertingcleaning tool 205 into a drain port of toilet bowl 110 to enablecleaning it from waste and to unclog the drain port in cases where anobject is blocking the ejection of fluid and waste from the toilet bowl.In certain embodiments, the flexibility of support arm 207 enablessupport arm to reach the inward facing surface in situations wherecleaning path is erroneous and cleaning tool 205 does not reach inwardfacing surface. Support arm 207 can bend or stretch to enable to providecleaning tool with access to the inward facing surface to compensate forthe cleaning path error. In certain embodiments, a mobile sprinkler 616which moves with mobile cleaning tool 605 and rinses the surface of seat102 as cleaning element 615 scrubs seat 102.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an operating system 700 of toiletcleaning system 100, according to certain embodiments. Operating system700 includes a processor 702 configured to operate toilet cleaningsystem 100. Operating system 700 includes control device 701 configuredto control components of toilet cleaning system 100. A user interface730 configured to enable a user to communicate with processor 702, forexample, to provide a three-dimensional map of toilet 105. Userinterface 730 can include a display unit 732 configured to displayparameters of toilet cleaning system 100, such as remaining cleaningtime, amount of soap used, water usage, power consumption, and/or thelike. In certain embodiments, display unit 732 can provide anotification when toilet cleaning system is operating to preventinterference with the cleaning process.

Control device 701 is configured to operate one or more motors 750, forexample, a support arm motor, a cleaning tool motor, a rotating platemotor, and/or the like. The support arm motor is configured to activatesupport arm 207, for example, where support arm 207 includes a piston,the support arm motor can activate piston to extend or to shortensupport arm 207. The support arm motor can also move the support armtowards and from the inward face surface. The cleaning tool motor isconfigured to actuate cleaning tool 205. For example, cleaning tool 205is a brush, cleaning tool motor can activate brush to rotate and cleantoilet bowl 105. The rotating plate motor operates the movement ofrotating plate or sling ring for rotating support arm 207 to enablecleaning tool 205 to reach all areas of inward facing surface of toiletbowl 110.

In certain embodiments, operating system 700 can include a distancesensor 715 configured to measure an interior volume of toilet bowl 110.Distance sensor 715 can obtain measurements, for example, by having aradar or a signal emitter/receiver to detect signals that are senttowards and bounce back from the inward facing surface. The signalsreceived provides measurements that enable processor 702 to map theinner surface of toilet bowl 110 and to generate a cleaning path forcleaning tool 205.

In certain embodiments, toilet bowl 110 can be mapped by processor 702moves cleaning tool 205 along the inward facing surface of toilet bowl110 and recording a distance at which cleaning tool 205 is in contactwith the inward facing surface. Processor 702 determines when cleaningtool 205 is in contact with the inward facing surface by detectionsensor 715 measuring when current provided to the support arm motorincreases resulting from the resistance provided by the toilet bowl 110.Cleaning tool 205 is moved around toilet bowl 110 until all the areas ofthe inward facing surface are measures by detection sensor 715. Theoperating system 700 can generate a three-dimensional map of the inwardfacing surface.

Control device 701 is configured to operate one or more valves 755 oftoilet control system 100, configured to regulate the flow of fluid influid tubing 300 to cleaning tool 205 and sprinklers 251 a, 251 b, 251c, 251 d, 251 e, 251 f, 251 g. Control device 701 is configured tooperate air blower 255, 256.

Operating system 700 can include a storage unit 725 configured to storetoilet schematic presets, which provides dimension information aboutand/or three-dimensional map thereof. In certain embodiments, processor702 can receive a toilet schematic from user interface 730, for example,from an input provided via user interface 730.

In certain embodiments, operating system 700 can include a motion sensor710 configured to detect when toilet cleaning system 100 is manipulatedduring the cleaning process. Motion sensor 710 can provide a stop signalto notify processor 702 to stop the cleaning process and provide aresume signal to processor 702 when toilet cleaning system 100 isreturned to an operating position on toilet 105.

Operating system 700 can include a stain sensor 720 configured to detectwaste that is attached to the inner surface of toilet bowl 110, uponwhich control device 701 can initiate a cleaning of toilet 100. Thestain sensor 710 can determine there is waste on the inward surface bydetecting discrepancies between surface readings received of by stainsensor 701. For example, where stain sensor 701 is a radar, whichtransmits a signal towards the inward surface. The signal bounces offthe inward facing surface and is measured by stain sensor 701. Themeasurement is used by control device 701 to determine whether remainingwaste must be removed.

In certain embodiments, stain sensor 720 can include a camera configuredto obtain images of the inward facing surface of toilet bowl 110. Uponmounting and activation of toilet cleaning system 100 onto toilet 105,stain sensor 720 obtains an image of the inward facing surface when itis clean. While toilet cleaning system 100 is active, stain sensor 720obtains images of the inward facing surface at predetermined intervals,which are compared by processor 702 to the first image taken when toiletcleaning system 100 was activated. During the comparison, processor 702makes a determination whether there is waste in the toilet byrecognizing differences between the images compared.

The stain sensor 720 identification of the waste can be mapped bycontrol device 701 in the map generated of the inward facing surface oftoilet bowl 110. Identification of the waste can provide control device701 with an indication of a location that requires additional cleaningtime in the cleaning path. In certain embodiments, stain sensor 720 canprovide information on whether the waste was removed during the cleaningprocess or whether the location of the waste needs to be cleaned again.

In certain embodiments, user interface 730 can be configured to providean entertainment system. Operating system 700 can include acommunication unit 735 to provide wireless capabilities, for example,WiFi, Bluetooth, Near-Field Communication (NFC) or the like to operatingsystem. Communication unit 735 can be configured to communicate with athird-party device having an application for transmitting operationcommands to control device 701 and to receive from control device 701information relating to the operation of toilet cleaning system 100.Communication unit 735 can be configured with a wireless connection forconnecting with a remote device, such as an application on a handhelddevice. The application can be configured for remote operation of toiletcleaning system 100, for example, controlling the operation of toiletcleaning system 100, providing information about power levels, or thelike. Communication unit 735 can receive the three-dimensional map froma third-party device having an application configured for communicatingwith toilet cleaning system 100.

Operating system 700 can include a locking mechanism 712 configured toprevent removal of toilet cleaning system 100 from toilet 100 during thecleaning process. When the cleaning process commences processor 702 canactivate locking mechanism 712 and can unlock locking mechanism 712 uponcompletion of the cleaning process or upon receiving a command to unlocklocking mechanism 712.

In certain embodiments, operation system 700 can include a weightmeasuring unit coupled to seat 102 and configured to obtain a user'sweight when the user is sitting on seat 102. Weight measuring unitenables processor 702 to track the user's weight and store theinformation in storage unit 725. Processor 702 can identify the useraccording to the user's weight to enable providing the user withcustomized preferences from toilet cleaning system 100, for example,keeping track of the user's use of the toilet, displaying on displayunit a desired show, accessing a preferred website, playing music or thelike. An application provided to the user on a third-party device, forexample, a smartphone, which enables the user to create an account fortracking the user's use of toilet 105 and toilet cleaning system 100.

Processor 702 can be configured execute programs, such as presetschedules for cleaning the toilet bowl 110. In certain embodiments,processor 702 can include a counter configured to count a number oftimes toilet 105 is flushed and can accordingly run a cleaning processautomatically after a predetermined number of toilet flushes. Processor702 can track of the toilet's use according to the number of times aload is measured by the weight measuring unit.

FIGS. 8A-8B shows a method for cleaning a toilet, according to certainembodiments. FIG. 8A shows a method for cleaning toilet bowl 110,according to certain embodiments. The method can be performed byoperating system 700 of FIG. 7 to clean toilet 105 of FIG. 1. Step 800discloses processor 702 mapping toilet bowl 110 to enable toiletcleaning system 100 to clean toilet. In certain embodiments, toilet bowl110 can be mapped by processor 702 according to measurements obtainedfrom distance sensor 715. In certain embodiments, toilet bowl 110 can bemapped by processor 702 operating control device 701 to move cleaningtool along the inward facing surface of toilet bowl 110 and recording adistance at which cleaning tool 205 is in contact with the inward facingsurface. Processor 701 determines when cleaning tool is in contact withthe inward facing surface by measuring when current is increased to thesupport arm motor because of resistance provided by the toilet bowl 110.Cleaning tool 205 is moved around toilet bowl 110 until the inwardfacing surface is mapped by control device 701.

Step 802 discloses processor 702 generating a cleaning path. Processor702 generates the cleaning path according to mapping of toilet bowl 110.The cleaning path provides the path along which cleaning tool 205 ismoved along the inward facing surface of toilet bowl 110 to ensure allof toilet bowl 110 is cleaned during the cleaning process.

Step 805 discloses processor 702 deploying cleaning tool 205 towardstoilet bowl 110 according to mapping of toilet bowl 110. Processor 702operates control device 701 to deploy cleaning tool 205 from storagecompartment 210 towards toilet bowl 110. For example, by activating thesupport arm motor that moves the support arm to extract support arm 207and cleaning tool 205 from storage compartment 210. Support arm 207 canbe rotated, for example, by rotating plate to orient cleaning tooltowards a location at which cleaning is to commence on toilet bowl 110.As cleaning tool 205 is deployed, storage compartment door 210 opens toenable cleaning tool 205 and support arm 207 to exit storagecompartment.

Step 810 discloses processor 702 performing cleaning of toilet bowl 110.Processor 702 activates cleaning tool 205, for example, where cleaningtool 205 has a rotating brush, control device 701 can operate a cleaningtool motor to activate the brush to rotate. Another example, processor702 operates the valves 855 to actuate fluid through fluid tube 400 toflow to cleaning tool 205 to rinse toilet bowl 110.

Step 815 discloses processor 702 rinse cleaning tool 205. In certainembodiments, upon completion of cleaning toilet bowl 110, cleaning tool205 is rinsed by fluid. Cleaning tool can also be moved to shake off andremove remaining fluid and waste on the cleaning tool. For example, thebrush of cleaning tool 205 can be rotated by cleaning tool motor afterbrush is no longer in contact with toilet bowl 110 to cause excess fluidand waste to fall into toilet bowl 110 to be flushed away.

Step 820 discloses processor 702 returning cleaning tool 205 to storagecompartment 210. Processor 702 operates the support arm motor to retractsupport arm and to fold it and cleaning tool 205 to enable insertioninto storage compartment 210. Once cleaning tool 205 and support arm 207are stored in storage compartment 210, storage compartment door 220closes to seal cleaning tool 205 and support arm 207 within storagecompartment 210.

FIG. 8B shows a method of cleaning seat 102, according to certainembodiments.

Step 825 discloses processor 702 activating sprinklers to clean seat102. Processor 702 actuates valves 855 that enable fluid in fluid tube400 to access sprinklers 251 a, 251 b, 251 c, 251 d to spray fluid ontoseat 102. The fluid rinses seat 102 and removes unwanted waste from seat102. In certain embodiments, control device 701 activates mobilecleaning tool 605 to scrub seat 102 while sprinklers are providingfluid.

Step 830 discloses processor 702 activating air blowers 255, 256 toremove remaining fluid on seat 102. Processor 702 activates air blowers255, 256 to ensure fluid from sprinklers 251 a, 251 b, 251 c, 251 d, 251e, 251 f, 251 g flows into toilet bowl 110 and does not wet thesurroundings of the toilet 105.

FIG. 9 shows a display screen 900 coupled to seat 102, according tocertain embodiments. Display screen 900 can provide entertainment,advertisement or the like to a user sitting on seat 102. Display screen900 can be connected to operating system 700 of FIG. 7, which providesthe content to display screen 900.

The present invention can include a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product can include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium can be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device havinginstructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of theforegoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not tobe construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves orother freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic wavespropagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., lightpulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signalstransmitted through a wire. Rather, the computer readable storage mediumis a non-transient (i.e., not-volatile) medium.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network can includecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention can be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like,and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions can execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection can be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) can execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions can be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionscan also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein includes anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which includes one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block can occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successioncan, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks cansometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A toilet cleaning system mounted onto a toilet,the toilet cleaning system including: a cleaning tool configured toclean an inward facing surface of the toilet bowl; a support armconfigured move said cleaning tool along the inward facing surface; and,a control device configured to: deploy said support arm to move saidcleaning tool towards the inward facing surface; and, actuate saidcleaning tool to clean the inward facing surface.
 2. The toilet cleaningsystem of claim 1, wherein said control device deploys said support armalong a cleaning path.
 3. The toilet cleaning system of claim 2, whereinsaid cleaning path is designated according to a three-dimensional map ofthe inward facing surface.
 4. The toilet cleaning system of claim 3,further including a processor configured to generate a three-dimensionmap.
 5. The toilet cleaning system of claim 4, further including: atleast one detection sensor configured to measure dimensions of theinward facing surface; and, wherein said processor generates saidthree-dimensional map according to the measurements obtained by said atleast one detection sensor.
 6. The toilet cleaning system of claim 5,wherein said detection sensor measures dimensions of the inward facingsurface by detecting locations where there is an increase of currentrequired for moving said support arm due to resistance applied onto saidcleaning tool by the inward facing surface.
 7. The toilet cleaningsystem of claim 4, further including a stain sensor configured to detectwaste on the inward facing surface; wherein said processor utilizes dataobtained by said stain sensor to designate a location of the waste toindicate an area on the inward facing surface that requires extensivecleaning.
 8. The toilet cleaning system of claim 7, wherein said stainsensor is a camera configured to obtain images of the inward facingsurface; wherein said processor compares an image of a clean inwardfacing surface obtained during activation of said toilet cleaning systemand compared to images obtained at predetermined time intervals so as todetermine whether the inward facing surface requires cleaning.
 9. Thetoilet cleaning system of claim 3, further including a storage unitconfigured to store toilet presets, wherein said stored toilet presetsinclude said three-dimensional map.
 10. The toilet cleaning system ofclaim 3, further including a communication unit configured to receivesaid three-dimensional map from a third-party device.
 11. The toiletcleaning system of claim 10, further including: a user interfaceconfigured for obtaining said three-dimensional map of the toilet; and,a display unit configured to display toilet cleaning system parameters.12. The toilet cleaning system of claim 11, further including a displayscreen coupled to a toilet seat and configured to display entertainmentcontent to a user of the toilet.
 13. The toilet cleaning system of claim1, further including a storage compartment for storing and concealingsaid cleaning tool when the toilet is not being cleaned, said storagecompartment having an elongated opening to enable said cleaning tool andsaid support arm to pivot into said storage compartment.
 14. The toiletcleaning system of claim 13, further including a collection compartmentconfigured to collect residue fluid dripping from said cleaning toolduring storage of said cleaning tool, wherein said collectioncompartment has a conduit to channel the residue fluid dripping fromsaid cleaning tool into the toilet bowl.
 15. The toilet cleaning systemof claim 13, further including a storage compartment door configured toenclose said cleaning tool and conceal said storage compartment.
 16. Thetoilet cleaning system of claim 13, wherein said control device isfurther configured to: retract said cleaning tool to said storagecompartment upon completion of a cleaning process; and, rinse saidcleaning tool prior to storage to remove excess fluid and waste fromsaid cleaning tool.
 17. The toilet cleaning system of claim 1, furtherincluding a soap unit for mixing a cleaning material with the fluidchanneled to said cleaning tool.
 18. A toilet cleaning system of claim1, further including: at least one sprinkler configured to clean atoilet seat by spraying fluid onto the toilet; and, an air blower toremove fluid residue remaining on the toilet seat, wherein said controldevice is further configured to: activate said at least one sprinkler tospray the toilet seat; activate said air blower to dry the toilet seat.19. The toilet cleaning system of claim 14, further including a mobilecleaning tool configured to move along a rail to clean the toilet seat.20. The toilet cleaning system of claim 1, wherein said support arm hasa flexible member enabling said cleaning tool to clean difficult toreach areas on the inward facing surface.